Phlebotomy Training in West Virginia

Looking to get started as a certified phlebotomy technician?

There are many college and vocational programs offering phlebotomy training in West Virginia. Becoming a phlebotomist is a great entry point for students or individuals interested in gaining some experience in the health care field.

Phlebotomy – Why You Should Become Certified

Phlebotomy, also known as venipuncture, is the act of drawing a blood sample from the vein of a patient. The blood draw is then screened in a lab for possible diseases or deficiencies, or specifically for blood donation purposes (blood donors).

Large metropolitan and small hospitals, doctor’s clinics, and blood banks all employ trained phlebotomists, with some offering on-the-job training without previous experience.

With the rise in the demand for phlebotomists in West Virginia, most employers have been insisting on formal training or applicants who have passed the exam and earned their CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) certificate.

Some employers even demand an additional certification or an affiliation to a professional body from an applicant for a phlebotomist position.

Top Cities For Employment in West Virginia

Berkeley Springs

Kingwood

Buffalo

Charleston

Petersburg

Princeton

Wayne

Wellsburg

Necessary Phlebotomy Training & Certification

West Virginia has a number of training schools that offer quality courses training on phlebotomy. The courses may offer a certificate, diploma, Associate, or a Bachelor’s degree.

Some colleges offer an exclusive program on phlebotomy, while some combine phlebotomy with a course for medical assistants.

An aspiring student can also learn phlebotomy in either a clinic or a nationwide training center with satellite programs.

While clinics pay a great deal of importance to practical exposure, colleges teach both the theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy.

The duration varies depending on the type of course and the number of credits offered in the course. Some courses also equip a successful candidate to take the certification examination conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Personal Skills – Understanding The Process and Patients

A phlebotomist must be highly efficient in the primary skills of venipuncture:

Identifying puncture sites for drawing blood (alternate entry points)

Using the right instruments for proper venipuncture

Proper collection and preservation of samples

Inverting the tubes after sample collection (correct preservation of the samples)

Bandaging the puncture site after the draw

Additionally, a phlebotomist must know about standard laboratory practices, computer operation, correct handling of all laboratory equipment, disposal of waste after collection of specimen, and processing/recording procedures.

Apart from the list above, a phlebotomist also needs to be good at handling different types of patient fears such as needle anxieties and “sight of blood” issues.

Realistic Salary Expectations

The average salary of a phlebotomist in West Virginia is $32000 annually. However, this figure varies depending on factors like the type of employer, level of experience, qualification and skill level.

Also, there may be a wide variance in the annual and per hour salary figure in cities like Berkeley Springs, Wellsburg, and Princeton.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a growth of at least 14% in the number of phlebotomy jobs for the next decade. In addition to their salaries, phlebotomists are also entitled to a number of other benefits at their workplace.

phlebotomy training in West Virginia

West Virginia Schools Providing Courses:

West Virginia University

University of Virginia provides a course for medical assistants, which also includes a comprehensive course on phlebotomy. The course is divided into several credits, and an applicant must possess qualifications like computer skills and a high school degree (minimum qualification). The applicant must also provide evidence of no prior criminal records.

National College

421 Hilltop DrivePrinceton, WV 24739

Alternate Campus:

110 Park Center DriveParkersburg, WV 26101

http://www.national-college.edu/programs/medical/maa.htm

National College offers a diploma on Medical Assisting and lays adequate emphasis on practical knowledge. Students are required to complete specific sessions in collecting specimen from the patients. The course has programs that range from basics of phlebotomy to more advanced subjects.

Mountain State University

609 S Kanawha StreetBeckley, WV 25801

http://www.mountainstate.edu/majors/whystudy/phlebotomy/default.aspx

Mountain State University offers a diploma on phlebotomy that has a combination of theoretical and practical classes. The student must complete a specified number of credits in order to be successful in the program.

Please note: Due diligence is required for all training course. Please check with course providers providing phlebotomy training in West Virginia before committing to any course.

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